Library book stack or the like



yApi H, i944. c. s; @Rom/N LIBRARY BOOK STA-CK OR THE LIKE Filed Aug. 26, 1941 5u/enger.' CZ j rown,

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LIBRARY BOOK STACK OR THE LIKE Filed Aug. 26. 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 flyamw C@ C. S. BROWN LIBRARY BOOK STACK OR THE LIKE Amin M, wm

5 sheets-sheet s 'Filed Aug. 26. 1941 llll..- I fifir l' J 721/6715071' CYz/ffor-Ci' Brown B JLM 92ml,

pri M, 1944. c. s. BROWN 2,34%150 LIBRARY Box STACK OIR THE LiKE Filed Aug. 26, 1941 heets-Sheet 4 Z' 071175 frown,

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April 11, 1944. c. s. BROWN LIBRARYl BOOK STACK OR THE LIKEl Filed Aug. 26, 1941 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Apr. 11, 1944 LIBRARYBOOKYSTACK OR. THE LIKE Cliord S. Brown, Two Rivers, Wis., assigner to Hamilton Manufacturing Company,

Two

Rivers, Wis., a corporation of Wisconsin application` August 26, 19.41, Serial No. A408,344

(Cl. .2li-136) 19 Claims.

This invention relates to library book stacks or the like and is especially applicable to book stacks in which much of the structure is of sheet metal for lightness, compactness, and adaptability, but in which combinations of wood and metal are possible. Y

Among other objects, the present invention aims to provide a structure of this type -having enhanced flexibility and adjustabili-ty, for utilizing to a maximum ya vlimited library space, while at the same time facilitating the location and examination of the book titles, with a minimum of veffort on the part of the Vpersons using the library,

together with protection to the person and clothing ofthe user.

Furthermore, the present invention aims nto a-Iord maxi-mum protection to the library books themselves -or other reading material vagainst wear, dust, mildew and insects, etc., by permitting enhanced air circulation about the books, combined with improved support for the volurnes even Where the latter are of greatly varying sizes.

In one aspect, the invention also .contemplates its inclusion as an 'integral .part of the building construction of the library, simplifying the larrangement of the upper tiers or decks within a library building, while contributing to the greater flexibility, 'compactnesa and 4protection already mentioned.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description, taken together `with theaccompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a fragmentary elevational view, partially in section, showing lthe present, invention associated with a library building construction;

Figure 2 is an .enlarged partial plan section taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Figure y3 is a partial `enlarged Vcrossesection taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Figure 4 is a further enlarged cross-section taken at right angles to the section of Fig. 3 and being a section taken .on the line 4 4 .of Fig. 7;

Figure 5 is a further enlarged fragmentary section taken on the line 5-'5 of Fig. 4;

Figure 6 is a similar fragmentary section taken on the line 'l-6 of Fig. 4;

Figure rI is a reduced perspective View of parts shown in the other gures, and more particularly FigA;

Figure 8 is a separated perspective view of a steel shelf and shelf` bracket in relation for `storage purposes;

Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-'section takenpn the line 9-9 of Fig. 8;

Figure 9a is a vpartial side elevational view oi a shelf shown in Fig. 8;

Figure l0 is an enlarged plan view of -a deck casting shown in Fig. 3 and being a section taken on the line lili D of that gure with parts omitted;

Figure 1l is an elevational View of a subject nder in separated relation from the parts with `which it is shown associated in Fig. 1;

Figure 12 is a plan View of the subject finder of Fig. 11 shown clamped to an associated part, the latter being in section;

Figure 13 is a side View of a wood shelf with which the invention may be employed;

Figure 14 is `an index clip shown in Fig. '7 and a partial section .of a steel shelf with which it is associated;

Figure 15 is a fragmentary elevational View partially in section of an alternative form of li-v brary Vconstruction to which the present invention is adapted;

Figure 16 is a View similar to'Fig. 15 showing a further modied form; and

Figure 17 shows a, still further modification.

Referring in detail .to an illustrative construction, as shown in Fig. 1 that which is enumerated 20 may represent part of a Wing of a library building with which the present invention is associated, this wing having a ground floor 2i, side wall 22, roof 23, and upper tier or deck 2li. The book stacks enumerated generally as 25, 26 and 2l support the deck 24, as presently more particularly described, and the -book stacks enumerated 28, 29 and 30 are free standing, supported by the deck 24 and by the book stacks 25, 26 and 2l. It will be understood that there may be a stairway (not shown) giving access from vthe ground floor 2| to the upper level or deck 24. The stacks 25 and 28 are shown with open ends and face both ways, that is, into two adjacent aisles. Thestacks 26 and 28 are shown with closed-or paneled` ends and also face both Ways. The stacks 21 and are half the size of stacks 25, 28 and 26, 2,9 and face but one way, that is, into the one adjacent aisle, the wall `22 being at their back. Aisles may be represented by the numerals 1E, 1E, for example.

The main component of the book stacks here described is a hollow column 3:1 which is advantageously formed of a 'pair of steel channel members 32 having. their Iianges .33 flared or flanged as at y34 and Welded together as .at iit'o form an integral ridge :on each lflange ofthe,V column. The

columns 3l are spaced apart longitudinally of the floor 2| through the intermediation of a base plate 36. As best shown in Fig. 3, the column has secured in its open end a metal web piece 31 by I Ameans of a cross bolt 38 and the web of the web piece is apertured for the passage of a screw-bolt 39 which is embedded in the concrete of the floor 2|, for example, after passing through the base plate 36, and thus fastening the Web piece 31 to the base plate. A lead filler or the like 4|] may be compacted about the screw bolt `39 as is well known in the art.

At the deck 24, the upper end of the column 3| of the stack 25, for example, may carry a web piece 4| similar to the web piece 31 but inverted with respect thereto, and secured, for instance, as by welding to the column 3|. A screwbolt 42 may pass upwardly through an aperture in the web of the web piece 4| and into a central tapped hole in the deck casting 43, which is thus supported by the column 3| of the stack 25. The column 3| of the stack 28 is then supported on the deck casting 43, a screw 44 clamping another web piece 31 for the upper 4column to the deck casting.

The deck casting 43, as shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 10, is somewhat square in plan but pyramidal in elevation, having transverse vanes 45 and 46 which cross at the center of the casting and into tapped holes in the juncture of which the bolts 42 and 44 are screwed. Concrete for the deck 24 may be poured around the deck casting 43, so that the latter is embedded therein, the concrete flowing (directed by the usual temporary mold boards, not shown) between the vanes and thus preventing rotation of the casting when in place. To strengthen the deck 24, reinforcing rods may be laid therein supported by the deck castings 43. For this purpose the vane 45 has at each outer end a pair of notched shoulders 41 and 4S, and similarly, the vane 46 at each end has a pair of notched shoulders 49 and 5D. As seen in Fig. 3, reinforcing rods and 52 rest on the shoulders 41 and 48 respectively, and, as seen from Fig. l, the reinforcing rods 53 and 54 rest on the shoulders 49 and 59, respectively. These various shoulders are staggered vertically in the order thus, 41, 49, 48 and 50, so as to permit the reinforcing rods 5| and 52 to extend transversely to the reinforcing rods 53 and y54 without the necessity of bending them for that purpose.

More particularly in accordance with the present invention, at each level each of the columns 3| has associated therewith a base bracket 55, and, in the case of the stacks away from the wall and which face both ways as do the stacks 25, 23, 28 and 29, each column has two such oppositely directed base brackets 55 which give the stacks transverse stability. To this end, as best shown in Figs. 2, 4 and 7, the base bracket has horizontal flanges 55 and 51 turned in opposite directions and which may be fastened to the ground floor 2| or deck 24, as the case may be, by screws 58 passing through holes in these horizontal flanges, and into a threaded sleeve 59, for example, impacted into a suitable opening drilled into the concrete as is well known in the art. At its proximal vertical edge 60 the bracket 55 engages the ridge 34 of the column 3|. For this purpose and in order to align the base bracket substantially with the ridge 34, the edge 69 of the base bracket is offset as shown in Fig. 2 to pass to one side of4 the ridge 34, to which it may be Secured with screwsV 6| passing through vertically elongated apertures 62 in-the base bracket edge .63 and into tapped holes inthe ridge 34, Inter- 'ril mediate of the apertures G2, a cut-out lug part 63 in the edge B3 is bent in the opposite direction to resiliently take over the other side of the ridge 34. By this arrangement the base bracket is permitted limited vertical adjustment on the column 3| as, for example, to accommodate irregularities in floor or deck surface, while still firmly bracing the column.

Connecting the base brackets 55 longitudinally of the stack is a kick-plate 64, which is advantageously of somewhat box-like formation as at 65 (Fig. 4) for strengthening purposes, and having turned in ends 65 through which may pass bolts 61 securing the base brackets thereto. With regard to the closed or paneled end stacks 26 and 29, and as best shown in Fig. 2, these same bolts 31 may also secure to the end of the stack the ornamental interiorly troughed panel 68, which has the rounded corners 59 and the emplaced foot 10 and capital 1| for improved appearance. At its upper end a web piece 12 (Fig. 3) may suitably secure the panel B8 to the column 3|. The panel thus serves to receive the flanges 51 and the column 3|, somewhat as a housing therefor, serving further to protect the books and the persons using the library, as well as for improved appearance.

In the flanges 33 of the columns 3|, that is, on each side of each of the ridges 34 as at 13 and on the sides of the column on which the ridges 34 occur, are located a vertically arranged series of perforations 14, these perforations giving into the hollow interior of the column and being desirably slightly elongated vertically and being located on centers spaced vertically, say, one inch apart. These perforations thus face toward the aisles of the library, as for example, toward an aisle 15 or 16 (Fig. l) and are adapted to have interengaged therewith the vertically adjustable shelf brackets 11.

Each of the shelf brackets 11 is, as here shown, preferably plate-like and formed of a steel stamping having a straight vertical rear edge 18, horizontal upper and lower edges 19 and 80, merging, as by rounded corners 8|, into a straight vertical outer edge 82. As best shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the horizontal edges 19 and 80 are closely folded upon themselves as at 83 adjacent the rear edges 13, but farther away from the rear edges are less closely bent over, as at 84, to form a somewhat cylindrical bead about the remainder of the horizontal edges 19 and 80 and the outer vertical edge 82 including the rounded corners 8|, both for strengthening purposes and to avoid sharp edges. For further stiifening, an H- shape rib 85 may be pressed into the otherwise flat body of the shelf bracket. At the upper end of the rear edge 18 are one or more, in this instance three, hook-shaped teeth 86 which take into the perforations 14, being also spaced vertically apart on one inch centers. Adjacent the lower end of the edge 18 may be a plain tooth 81 which enters one of the perforations 14, but without hooking therein. Each of the teeth 86 has a hooking shoulder 86a on its lower edge to hook into a perforation.14 and one of the teeth 86, in this instance the lower tooth 8G, has a.

-hooking shoulder 86h on its upper edge as well,

which further prevents accidental dislodging of the bracket. As best seen in Figs. 2 and '1, one column 3| vmay support a plurality of shelf brackets, vertically arranged, for carrying shelves at different elevations, as presently more particularly described, and also at a given common elevation one column may support four of the shelf brackets.

Dasirably following Vthis invention, a sheet metal steel shelf 88 for use with the present invention may, as best shown in Fig. 8, have its under face of somewhat box shape as at 98a by reason of the turned'down ends 89 and the turned down sides 9D. Furthermore, the turned down sides 90 are desirably continued inwardly as at 9| and then again upwardly as at 92 forming a box in which the shelf brackets 11, two for a given shelf, may be stored when the shelf and brackets are not in use. As indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 8, the teeth 86 and 81 of the shelf bracket may rst protrude through slits 93 in one end of the down turned rear side 90 of the shelf until the edge 82 of the shelf bracket is forced into the boi; 88a of the shelf 98 past the upturn 92 at the side opposite the slits 93. Thereupon, the shelf bracket may be slid away from the slits 93 to a position as shown in full lines in Fig. 8 and in cross-section in Fig. 9, in which position the shelf bracket is retained in the shelf until it is desired to be removed, when it may be again slid into the dotted line position in Fig. 8, where the teeth'of the shelf bracket may be again manipulated intoI the slits 9,3 and the opposite edge of the shelf bracket manipulated past the upturn 92 to remove the shelf bracket.

Each of the down-turned shelf ends 89 has tongues 94 and 95 struck out therefrom for hanging the shelf on a pair of the shelf brackets 11, and the shelf brackets 11 may have corresponding slots 96 and 91 therein for receiving the tongues as best shown in Fig. 5, the tongues desirably having an intermediate shoulder 98 which thus somewhat locks a shelf and a pair of shelf brackets together into a structural unit. When, as shown in full lines Fig. 4, a shelf and a pair of brackets are so interconnected, the shelf tongue 94 engages one of the pivot slots 96, say, an inner one, and the shelf tongues 95 engage two of the radial slots 91, an inner one and an 4outer one. If, however, it is desired to have the shelf extend farther out intoy the aisle, say to accommodate volumes of greater depth, the vtongue 94 may be locatedv in an outer pivot slot 96, and then one of the tongues 95 will engage one of the outer radial slots 91 and the other of the tongues 95 will be unused, as illustrated in dotted lines at 9,9, Fig. 4. As so, constructed and arranged and as shown in the drawings, there is a slot 9B representing, a pivotally disposed element and at least three slots 91 representing radially disposed elements for each of the slots 95, each radially disposed element being extended in the direction of a radius from said pivotally disposed elementl and the radially disposed elements being angular one to the other.

It will be seen, moreover, that each shelf bracket centaines two pair of the pivot slotsk 96 one above the other on, say, one and a half inch vertically spaced centers. Also, opposite each of the pairs of pivot slots 99 isa radial system of slots 91, constituting a pair of such systems, again vertically spaced one above the other. In this instance, each system of Slots 91 comprises a pair of middley slots horizontally aligned with the centers of a pair of the slots 96, a pair on a downwardly slanting radius, and a pair on an upwardly slanting radius. These s lants or nonparallel relationships are preferably ofy the order of ve degrees from the horizontal, so that as indicated` in Fig. 1, the lower shelves of the stack may be directed upwardly toward, the eye of; the

person using the library while the upper shelves are similarly directed downwardly, the intere mediate shelves being advantageously horizontal. This makes the titles of the hooks carried by the shelves more readily visible, being aimed, so to speak, toward the average eye level.

It will be seen from the drawings that there is a slot system 91 comprising at least three slots arranged fan-like in a vertical plane on radii centering at one of the slots 96. It might be said that there are at least four such slot systems Sli- 91, that is, each including a pivot slot 9S and at least three of the slots 91 for each pivot slot 9E and radiating therefrom in a vertical plane so that a shelf may have these four diiferent centering or pivot points all on one bracket, that is, an inner and an outer centering point for its tongue 94 on a lower slot level, and again an inner and an outer centering point for its tongue 94 on an upper slot level of the bracket, and in each case the shelf may have three angular adjustments, that is, either horizontal or sloping upwardly or sloping downwardly.

By reason of the pairs of vertically spaced apart slots 96 and the pairs of slot systems 91, a socalled Vernier adjustment of the placement of shelves is made possible. For example, if it be desired to decrease the vertical distance between two shelves by one-half inch, the lower of the two shelves say may be raised on its brackets so that its tongues 94 and 95 engage an upper one of the slots 96 and an upper one of the slot systems 91, and the shelf brackets for this given shelf may be lowered by one of the perforations 14 in the column, giving a net elevation of the shelf Of onehalf inch, that is, one and a half-inch (the dis.- tance between the centers of the upper and lower slots 96) minus one inch (the distance between the centers of the perforations 14).

As will be now readily understood, the shelf brackets 1.1 may be of different sizes to suit different widths of shelves. For example, as shown ln Fig. 4, the shelf brackets and shelves at the left-hand side of the. figure are narrower than the shelf brackets and corresponding Shelves at the right hand side of the figure, but the vertical distances between the lower and upper slots 96 and between the upper and lower slot systems 91, and also the vertical distances between the teeth 86 are the same in each case. Furthermore, as already referred to, and as indicated in dotted lines at 99, anincreased effective shelf width may be obtained with the smaller shelf brackets and smaller shelf, intermediate in width between the width of the smaller shelves and the width of the wider shelves, by locating the narrower shelf in the outer slots 96 and 91 of the smaller shelf brackets. While the shelf brackets 11 are locked against accidental displacement from the columns 3l, as already alluded to, the teeth 86 and 81 preferably have songe lateral play in the perforations 14 so that the shelf brackets 11 may have a slight motion longitudinally of the stack to provide erection tolerances in the distance between the columns 3l. The brackets 11 are desirably made left and right hand for each shelf, so that a shelf always engages a smooth or unbeaded side of a bracket, the side against which the books rest.

At the base brackets 55, the base shelves 199 may have downturned ends Il!! which hook on'to'ears |92 struck out from the base brackets. There may be two of such ears struck out from each base brackety adjacent the column 3'! and projected in opposite directions longitudinally of the stack so that each base bracket may supportv two base shelves aligned longitudinally of the stack. At their outer edges the base shelves |00 may have their margins turned downwardly and inwardly as at |03 to rest on the upper side of the kickplate 64. The base shelves |00 aredesirably uniformly inclined upwardly so as to tilt the books carried thereon into position most advantageous to the eye of the user. The upward inclination of the base shelves |00 is desirably, say, of the order of eight degrees or somewhat greater than the maximum inclination for the shelves 88. Furthermore, the base shelves |00 are preferably integral transversely of the stack, where, as in the case of the stacks 25, 26, 28 and 29, the latter face both ways, that is, toward two aisles, for example and 16, as in the case of the stack 29. Where the base shelves are thus integral they may, as shown, have a connecting portion |04 of inverted groove shape. The vertical portion |05 of the base shelves connecting portion |04 serves as a stop to limit backward downward movement of the volumes carried thereon.

As will be seen, each shelf bracket 11 has a triple function, first of supporting a shelf 88, second, of limiting (by its upper part |03) endwise movement of the Volumes carried on that particular shelf; and, third (by its lower part |01 which extends below the shelf), of limiting endwise movement of volumes carried on the shelf next below. In other words, each shelf bracket extends both above and below the shelf which it supports. At the same time, while protecting the end books on the shelves, the shelf brackets do not immediately adjoin but leave a space |08 between .f

two breastwise aligned shelf brackets, and also the shelves 8B do not contact transversely of the stack but leave a space |09 therebetween, which spaces facilitate circulation of air which counteracts the action of vermin and decay. Furthermore, a marked reduction of horizontal surfaces, here effected, minimizes dust accumulation.

Where a shelf is not completely lled with books, an intermediate book support, adjustable longitudinally of a shelf, is provided as here shown by a book rest device ||0 comprising, in one instance, an angle plate having a shelf embracing portion as shown in Figs. l and 7, by which the rest device may be slid along the shelf to accommodate the length of the row of books thereon. Where it is desired to provide another adjustable rest member, in this case extending downwardly from the shelf above, a bent wire device 2 may be employed, as indicated in Figs. 4 and 7, having spring ends |3 which are curled over the shelf side upturns 92 in the inverted box underface 80a of the shelf 88. The device ||2 may be rotated toward the horizontal to be manipulated for insertion or removal when desired, and as next described. While the devices ||0 and H2 are adjustable longitudinally of the shelf, a slight cant given to the rest device I0 by the books leaning thereagainst will prevent the volumes from themselves moving this rest device, and the wire rest device |2 may be inserted in the interior 88a of the shelf in opposition to its inherent resilience, thus effecting a spring action which frictionally holds the device against movement except when the spring ends ||3 are manually squeezed together.

Label holders such as I4 (Fig. 7)- may be arranged to be slid along the front edge of a shelf, as for instance to carry the name of the author of a given group of books. As will be seen from Fig. 14, the label holder may have a clip I5 secured to its back as by rivet 6, which clip takes frictionally under the inturned-upturned margin 9 |92 of the shelf. The label holder is thus carried by the shelf while being readily removed therefrom or moved longitudinally therealong as desired.

For indicating subject-matter of thevolumes carried, say, by a particular book stack, a card holder ||1 may be employed, as shown in Fig. 1 projected somewhat into the aisle soy as to vbe readily perceived by the user. As indicated in Figs. l1 and 12, the card holder ||1 may comprise a pair of frames ||8 and ||9 mounted on a clamp |20 which takes over the upper portion |06 4of a. shelf bracket 11. For this purpose, the clamp may comprise a pair of opposed spring lingers |2| and |22 between which the outer edge 82 of the shelf bracket may be received, the spring finger |22 being offset as at |23 to yieldingly accommodate the bead 84, and the spring finger |2| being bent as at |24 to form a bead of approximately the cross-sectional dimension of the bead 84. A nub |25 struck inwardly of the spring finger |2| springs over the rib B4. The card holder 1 may receive a subject-index card in each of the frames |8 and i0, the frames being open at the top for this purpose, and nibs |26 serving to hold the cards therein from accidental displacement. The card holder thus clasps the shelf bracket to face in two directions, facilitating the finding of the subject-matter desired.

The invention is readily adapted for shelves of wood, if desired, for variety, or when steel is limited in availability. With this in view, as indicated in Fig. 13, a wood shelf |21 may have fastened to each of its ends an adapter in the form of a metal angle strip |28 provided with struckout tongues |29 of a form and function similar to the integral tongues 94, 95 of the steel shelves 88. The angle strips |28 may be secured to the wood shelf as by screws |30 in their lower flanges passing upwardly into the Wood of the shelf.

In library buildings which are already partially constructed, or where it is desired to eliminate the use of concrete in the construction of the upper deck or decks, the alternative form of construction shown in Fig. 15 may be employed. In this adaptation, the columns 3| support a channel beam 3| independently of the Wall |32 of the building, the web pieces 31 being secured to the channel beams |3| as by bolts |33. The channel beams may carry the base brackets |34 as by -having the horizontal flanges |35 of the base brackets |34 bolted directly thereto and the base brackets may be fastened also to the columns 3| as at |36 similarly to the fastenings 6 I. Here,'the ,kick-plata@ may be omitted and each of the base brackets |34 may have a pair of earsv |31 adjacent their inner and outer edges to support the base shelf |00. Immediately adjacent the wall |32, only one base bracket |34 is called for, since this stack faces only one way and a base shelf |31a may be employed therewith of approximately half the transverse dimension of the integral double base shelves |00. The inner margin of the half-depth base shelf |31a is advantageously upturned as at |38 to meet the wall |32.

To form the aisle between the stacks, in this instance, the channel beams 3| are shown carrying a deck plate |39, covered preferably with linoleum or other suitable tread material |40, the deck plates being upturned as at |4| to protect the edges of the floor covering and also to serve as abbreviated kick-plates.

In this alternative construction, free circulation of air is enhanced, even between one deck amarte and another, air passages for travel of air .as indi-d cated by the arrows |42 being provided, it being borne in mind that the space between the channel beams |3| is open. Between the channels, a conduit |43 is shown depending from the deck plate |39 for an electric wiring cable |144. This construction might be called an open panel type.

A further modied construction is shown in Fig. 16, which might be called a flush ceiling type for aisles only. In this case, the deck plates |45 are flat and are bordered by a stepped runner |45, the upper part of which provides an abbreviated kick-plate portion and flooring protector |41. The depending lower edges of the runners |45 for a given aisleY are stepped toward each other to provideV a hanger for a troughed aisle ceiling panel |48, the upturned margins of which may be welded as at |49 to the runner |45. It will be noted that this construction also permits a free circulation of air as in Fig. and the paneling of the ceiling over the aisle flush with the channel beam |3| does not interfere with the conduit |43 being here carried by the deck plate in the space betwern this deck plate and the aisle ceiling panel I 8.

Figure 17 shows a still further modified construction, which might be called an all-flush ceiling type. I-Iere is shown a slightly differently bent runner |50 which has a hanger part |5| at its lower edge turned toward the adjacent column 3| and which supports the upwardly 0E- set margin |52 of a stack ceiling plate |53 disposed directly over the book stack, flush with the channel beam 3|. er part |5| may have welded thereto as at |54 the aisle ceiling plate |55 also flush with the channel beam |3| and the previously mentioned stack ceiling plate |53. This construction still provides space for the conduit |43 but sacrifices for uniformity of ceiling appearance the enhanced free circulation of air eifected by the constructions of Figs. 15 and 16.

So constructed and arranged, the invention minimizes the number of different parts required, while increasing the adaptabilityof the parts and particularly the flexibility of the book stacks themselves, reducing the seriousness of what might otherwise be errors in the selection of shelf arrangements in a given number of different tageous position for economy of space and effort,

thus subordinating the appearance of the shelves to that of the books themselves, which is the more important and noticeable factor in a Iibrary. At the same time, the number of books which may beaccommodated in a given stack is increased and the life of the book bindings is safe-guarded and enhanced.

It is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to details of construction here shown for illustrative' purposes. For example, the shelves when made either of metal or wood may be of the now well known bar type which need not be here specically shown. Other modifications will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and having the benefit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, it is not intended that it be understood that all features of the present disclosure must be used conjointly, since it will be apparent to workers'in the The under face of the hangart that various combinations or sub-combinations may at times be advantageously employed.

Having described my invention, I claim: 1. In a structure of the. class described, the combination of a pair of columns, a pair of shelf brackets, interengaging means on the columns and shelf brackets for vertical adjustment of the brackets on the columns, a shelf supported by the brackets,` means disposed fan-like in the brackets for arranging the shelf to slope upwardly or downwardly or to lie horizontally, selectively, and means on the brackets providing alternative positions for the shelf on the brackets laterally inwardly and outwardly.

2. In a structure of the class described, the combination of. a pairv of columns, a pair of shelf brackets, interengaging means on the columns and shelf brackets for vertical adjustment of the brackets on the columns, a shelf supported by the brackets, means disposed fan-like in the brackets for arranging the shelf to slope upwardly or downwardly or .toy lie horizontally, selectively, means for vertical adjustment of the shelf on the brackets while maintaining the said selective arrangement, and means for also adjusting the shelf laterally inwardly and outwardly while maintaining the said selective arrangement.

3. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a pair of flanged channel members secured together to form a hollow column with ridgesV at each side, a pair of base brackets secured to the ridges at each side of the column, a kick-plate secured to each bracket, and an end panel secured to the base brackets by the ksamegsecuring means which secure the kick-plate and troughed to receive the column.

4. In a structure ofthe class described, the combination of a sheet metal shelf body formed with a box-like underface, adaptedl to receive a pair of shelf brackets when not in use, of a pair of shelf sheet metal brackets each having a width less than its height and said width being slightly less than the width -of the shelf body, and means including a slit inthe side of said body at one end thereof for restricted entry of the brackets into the shelf whereby after entry the brackets may be slid into the other end of the-body to retain them againstaccidental removal. Y 5. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a pair of. flanged channel members secured together to form a hollow column with a ridge at at least one side, a base bracket secured to the ridge at the side of the column, a kick-plate secured to the bracket, and an end panel secured to the base bracket by the same securing means which secures the kick-plate and troughed to receive the column.

6. Inv astructure of the class described, th combination of a sheet metal shelf body formed with a box-like underface, .adapted to receive a pair of lshelf brackets when not in use, of a pair of shelf sheet metal brackets each having la width less than its height and said width being slightly less than the width of the shelf body, spaced apart'teeth along the longer edge of the bracket and means including spaced apart slits in the side of said body at one end thereof for restricted entry of the brackets into the shelf by initially receiving said teeth therein whereby after entry of the brackets into the body the teeth may be manipulated out of said slits and the brackets may be slid into the other end of the body to retain them against accidental removal.

7. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a pair of columns, a pair of shelf brackets, interengaging means including perforations in the column and teeth on the shelf brackets for vertical adjustment of the brackets on the columns, said perforations being on one inch centers apart, a shelf supported by the brackets, means including a system of slots disposed fan-like in the shelf brackets and tongues en the shelf for arranging the shelf to slope upwardly or downwardly or to lie horizontally, selectively, and means including another spaced apart system of slots disposed fan-like in the shelf brackets for vertical adjustment of the shelf on the brackets while maintaining the said selective arrangement, the centers of the said slot systems being spaced an inch and a half apart whereby to provide a Vernier adjustment of shelf placement.

8. In a book stack structure, a plate-like sheet metal shelf bracket having a fan-like system of elongated slots therein forv receiving tongues on a shelf end to support the latter wherein the slots are arranged in a system comprising a pivot slot adjacent the inner vertical edge 0i the bracket and three non-parallel radial slots radiating from the pivot slot in `a vertical plane adjacent the outer vertical edge of the bracket, the middle one of saidthreenon-parallel slots being aligned horizontally with said pivot slot and the other radial slots being 'angular to the said middle slot and to each other. I

9. In a book stack structure, a'plate-like sheet metal shelf bracket having a fan-like system oi elongated slotstheren for recevingtongues on a shelf end to support the latter wherein the slots are arranged in a system comprising a pivot slot and three non-parallel radial slots radiating from the pivotfslot in a vertica1 plane and wherein there are two such systems spaced apart vertically in Vsaid bracket, whereby a predetermined variation in the height of the shelf is provided while permitting the shelf to slope upwardly or downwardly or to lie horizontally vin either said height variation thereof. l

10. In a structure of the class described, a plate-like sheet metal shelf bracket having slots therein for receiving tongues on a shelf end to support theV latter wherein the slots are arranged in a system, each system comprising a pivot slot and three radial slotsv radiating from/'the pivot slot in a vertical plane and wherein there are four such systems comprising an inner and an outer system at 'one level of said bracket and another inner and outer system at another level of said bracket, the said levels being vertically spaced apart.

11. In a structure of the class described embodying a pair of columns having vertically spaced apart perforations therein to support adjustable shelving, that improvement therein comprisingr a pair of plate-like sheet metal shelf brackets; each bracket having slotsthe'rein for receiving tongues on a shelf end to support the latter wherein the slots are arranged in systems, each g system comprising a pivot slot and three radial slots radiating :from the pivot slot in a vertical plane and wherein there are four such systems in each bracket comprising an inner and. an

outer system at one level of said bracket and another inner and outer system at another level of said bracket, the said levels being vertically spaced apart, said bracket having a vertical rear edge carrying teeth for engagement in said periorations of the columns and having a straight outer edge merging into an upper and lower edge by rounded corners, said upper and lower and outer edge being integrally beadedY to minimize a sharp edge on the bracket and enhance its strength.

12. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a pair of :flanged channel members secured together to form a hollow column with ridges at each side, a vertically arranged series of perforations at each side of each ridge, a pair of base brackets secured to the ridges at each side of the column, a, kick-plate secured to each bracket, a pair of series of vertically spaced shelf brackets disposed on said column having teeth engaging perforations on the same side of each ridge as the kick-plate, and shelves each having one end carried by one of said shelf brackets.

13. In a book stack, the combination of a pair of flanged channel members secured together to form ahollow column with ridges at each side, a vertically arranged series of perforations at each side of each ridge, a pair of base brackets secured to the ridges at each side of the column, a kick-plate secured to each base bracket, an end panel secured to the base brackets Vand troughed to receive the column, a pair of series of vertically spaced shelf brackets disposed on said column having teeth engaging perforations on the opposite side of each ridge from said panel, and shelves each having one end carried by one of said shelf brackets, said end panel extending transversely of the book stack beyond the said shelf brackets and secured to the base brackets by the same securing means which secures the kick-plate thereto.

14. In a book stack, the combination of a pair of flanged channel members secured together to form a hollow column with a ridge at at least one side, a vertically arranged series of perforations at each side of said ridge, a base bracket secured to the ridge at the side of the column, a kick-plate secured to the base bracket, an end panel secured to the base bracket and troughed to receive the column, a series of vertically spaced shelf brackets disposed on said column having teeth engaging perforations on the opposite side of said ridge from said panel, and shelves each having one end carried by one of said shelf brackets, said panel extending transversely of the book stack beyond the said shelf brackets and being secured to the base bracket by the same means which secures the kick-plate thereto.

15. In a, structure of the class described, the combination of a pair of flanged channel members secured together to form a hollow column with a ridge at at least one side, a vertically arranged series of perforations at each side of said ridge, a base bracket secured to the ridge at the side of the column, a kick-plate secured to the bracket, a series of vertically spaced shelf brackets disposed on said column having teeth engaging perforations on the same side of said ridge as the kick-plate, and shelves each having one end carried by one of said shelf brackets.

y 16. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a hollow column, four series of vertically arranged perforations in said column, two series facing in one direction and two series facing in the opposite direction, at least four vertically adjustable shelf brackets disposed on each column and each bracket having means engaging the perforations of a different one of said series whereby the brackets may be arranged abreast, shelves each having tongues at each end carried by one of said shelf brackets, the bracket extending both above and below the shelf carried thereon, and means disposed fan-like in the brackets and arranged intermedially of the vertical height of the shelf brackets for selectively receiving the tongues on the shelf for adjust; ing the shelf on the bracket to slope upwardly or downwardly.

17. In a structure of the class described, the combination of a hollow column, two series of vertically arranged perforations in said column facing in the same direction, at least two vertically adjustable shelf brackets disposed on each column and each bracket having means engagging the perforations of a different one of said series whereby the brackets may be arranged abreast, shelves each having tongues at each end carried by one of said shelf brackets, the bracket extending both above and below the shelf carried' thereon, and means disposed fan-like in the brackets and arranged intermedially of the ver'- tical height of the shelf brackets for selectively receiving the tongues on the shelf for adjusting' the shelf on the bracket to slope upwardly or downwardly.

18. In a structure of the class described, the combination With an adjustable at least partially metal shelf having margins providing downturned and then inturned and upturned surfaces, a removable member slidable thereon having one portion engaging over inturned and upturned parts of said margin whereby to slide on two of said surfaces, and another portion of said member carried by the rst mentioned portion offset extending laterally from the rst mentioned portion in a direction extending outwardly of the shelf.

19. In a built-up stack structure of the class described, a plate-like shelf bracket member having a fan-like system of formations therein for receiving interengaging formations on a shelf member to support the latter, wherein the brack- 15 et formations are arranged in a system comprising a pivot formation adjacent the inner vertical edge of the bracket member and three nonparallel radial Iformations radiating from the pivot formation in a Vertical plane adjacent the 20 outer vertical edge of the bracket member, the middle one of said three non-parallel formations being aligned horizontally with said pivot formation and the other two radial formations being angular to the said middle formation and to each 25 other, said formations comprising elongated slots on one of said members and interengaging tongues on the other of said members.

CLIFFORD S. BROWN. 

